The Swiss energy transition - modelled

An ETH Zurich, Switzerland, research team is working to create a modelling platform for analysis of how technological, economic and regulatory developments affect future energy systems.

Nexus-e is a new ETH platform that models energy systems. The simulation tool can quantify various pathways and results for the future of energy in the country.

As with many other countries, including the UK, Switzerland’s energy system will undergo a fundamental transformation. The Energy Act went into effect in 2018 after Switzerland voted to phase out nuclear energy and generate more power with decentralised, renewable energy sources. In 2019, the Federal Council also set the target of reducing Switzerland’s net emissions to zero by 2050.

These changes have raised questions for policies, industry and society regarding smooth transitions and continued energy supply. The Nexus-model may help answer.

The first version of Nexus-e was completed at the end of 2020. The pilot project was co-financed by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) and participating ETH professorships.

The aim is to develop a suitable tool that can holistically represent the Swiss power system and enable evaluation of the roles of centralised and decentralised technologies, while managing flexibility in demand.